Quantum-noise randomized data encryption for wavelength-division-multiplexed fiber-optic networks

Abstract

We demonstrate high-rate randomized data-encryption through optical fibers using the inherent quantum-measurement noise of coherent states of light. Specifically, we demonstrate $650\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Mbit}∕\mathrm{s}$ data encryption through a $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Gbit}∕\mathrm{s}$ data-bearing, in-line amplified 200-km-long line. In our protocol, legitimate users (who share a short secret key) communicate using an $M$-ry signal set while an attacker (who does not share the secret key) is forced to contend with the fundamental and irreducible quantum-measurement noise of coherent states. Implementations of our protocol using both polarization-encoded signal sets as well as polarization-insensitive phase-keyed signal sets are experimentally and theoretically evaluated. Different from the performance criteria for the cryptographic objective of key generation (quantum key-generation), one possible set of performance criteria for the cryptographic objective of data encryption is established and carefully considered.